The U.S. Army Secretary rescinded Jen Easterly's appointment to a prestigious academic position at West Point following public controversy and a review of hiring practices, amid political criticisms related to her government service.
Youngstown State University is facing backlash from alumni, donors, and other stakeholders after hiring Republican Congressman Bill Johnson as its next president. Actor Ed O'Neill, a YSU alum, called the choice "disgraceful" and plans to return his honorary doctorate. Major donor Bruce Zoldan is calling for the university to rescind the hiring and will stop donating if Johnson remains president. The university's secretive hiring process and concerns about Johnson's qualifications have also sparked criticism. The YSU Foundation has expressed concern and received feedback from donors reluctant to provide ongoing support. The university defended the hiring process, while Johnson emphasized the importance of diverse voices and avoiding ideological bias in education.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has unanimously appointed Mark A. Welsh III as the interim president of Texas A&M University, following the resignation of former president M. Katherine Banks. Welsh, who has been serving as the acting president, was praised for his leadership and experience. The board also authorized a potential settlement with Kathleen McElroy, a professor whose hiring to revive A&M's journalism program caused controversy. The university will conduct a thorough investigation into the hiring process.
The failed attempt to hire Kathleen McElroy as a journalism professor at Texas A&M University has exposed deep divisions within the institution over issues of diversity. McElroy, a Black professor, turned down what she considered a watered-down offer after facing backlash over her views on race and diversity. The controversy has raised questions about the university's direction and reputation, with some students and alumni expressing disappointment and concern. The incident highlights the ongoing debate over diversity initiatives at Texas universities and the challenges they face in addressing cultural change.
Texas A&M President Kathy Banks claims she was unaware of changes made to an offer letter that resulted in a prospective journalism professor declining the position due to conservative backlash. The university's administration did not reach out to the candidate again, citing the potential for legal action. The mishandling of the hiring process has led to calls for an investigation by the Faculty Senate, as professors express dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency. The incident has damaged the university's reputation and highlights the ongoing scrutiny and resistance faced by universities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Internal emails obtained by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reveal that former Minneapolis police officer Tyler Timberlake disputes MPD Chief O'Hara's account of his hiring. Timberlake claims that O'Hara's statements regarding his employment with MPD are factually false and that O'Hara interviewed him and approved his hire after a full disclosure of events. In response, Chief O'Hara clarified that he observed Timberlake's interview on his second day of employment and was unaware of the existence of a video capturing a use-of-force incident involving Timberlake until after receiving a media inquiry. O'Hara immediately ordered an investigation into MPD's hiring processes upon learning of the video. Timberlake no longer works as a city employee, and further details about his departure have not been provided.